Inter-Satellite Link Indirect Feeder Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellites in certain orbital slots may not have access to the desired feeder link spectrum, such as Ku-band, needed for direct communication with a satellite gateway, leading to communication disruptions due to unavailable frequencies.
Innovation Solution
Establishing an inter-satellite link with another satellite that has access to the required feeder link spectrum, allowing for an indirect feeder link between the satellite and the satellite gateway, using frequencies from an optical, infrared, ultraviolet, or RF band.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a satellite uses a direct feeder link for communication with the satellite gateway, then communication reliability is improved, but the satellite must have access to desired feeder link spectrum which is not available in certain orbital slots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary satellite (relay satellite) that has access to the desired feeder link spectrum. The first satellite establishes an inter-satellite link with the intermediary satellite, which then provides feeder link access to the satellite gateway. This mediator enables the first satellite to communicate reliably without requiring direct spectrum access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-component system (satellite-gateway direct link) to a three-component system (satellite-intermediary-gateway indirect link), adding the dimension of inter-satellite communication. This dimensional expansion allows satellites in orbital slots without direct feeder link access to communicate through the intermediary satellite.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple satellites are deployed to cover larger service areas, then system coverage is improved, but the complexity of managing feeder link connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary satellite serves multiple functions: it acts as a relay for feeder link communications, establishes inter-satellite links with multiple first satellites, and maintains connections with the satellite gateway. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity by consolidating connection management roles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the feeder link function with inter-satellite link functionality in the intermediary satellite. By combining these functions into a single satellite component, the system reduces the number of separate connection management pathways needed across multiple satellites.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of providing a feeder link between a first substantially geo-stationary satellite and a satellite gateway include establishing a communications link between the satellite gateway and a second substantially geo-stationary satellite, establishing an inter-satellite communications link between the first substantially geo-stationary satellite and the second substantially geo-stationary satellite, and communicating between the first substantially geo-stationary satellite and the satellite gateway via the inter-satellite communications link and the communications link. A satellite communications system includes first and second substantially geo-stationary satellites configured to establish an inter-satellite communications link therebetween, and a satellite gateway configured to establish a direct feeder link with one of the first and second substantially geo-stationary satellites and to establish an indirect feeder link with the other of the first and second substantially geo-stationary satellites using the inter-satellite communications link and the direct feeder link.